Her Story
About Jana
My love of real estate began when I bought my first house at a young age, fixed it up on my own and resold it. Since then, I've personally bought and sold over 30 properties in my own portfolio, typically living in them and then reselling them. I've always thought of real estate as an investment - how can I recoup my investment and kind of live there rent-free. What I found was I had this passion for creating a legacy for families. It's not so much the transaction, it's where they are in life, where they are in their journey, where they hope to be. Is this their first home? Is this their last home? And how can I walk beside them in that journey and take them where they want to go? I think that's why I have had some success in this real estate environment - it's a very personalized approach to real estate. I have this kind of knack for going in and just reimagining spaces, and I think what gives me advantages is I know a house from the ground up because I've dug into them. I've been with Berkshire Hathaway for about 2 years, and all of my years of experience led me up to this year, which has been my Cinderella year in real estate. I worked with a set of clients for 2 years trying to find their dream home, and we went on a journey together. We found that home, they closed on it in February, and then they're selling their family farm which will close in March. That experience in itself is the first 87-acre farm that I have ever sold, and that process has been an amazing learning experience.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my success comes from my personalized approach to real estate and the mental fortitude I built as an elite athlete. Winning the fittest woman in the world in my age group at the 2019 CrossFit Games was a really great training ground - it built the mental fortitude and the tenacity that you need to be successful. I think that translates over into how fierce I protect my clients and how I go all in and am super focused. I've transitioned from one arena as an elite athlete to another arena where I can showcase and help my clients and have that sort of drive to make them successful and get them where they want to go. My hands-on experience with over 30 properties in my own portfolio also gives me advantages because I know a house from the ground up - I've dug into them. This prepares me to deal with clients in a way that others can't, whether they want something they can do some work on or a custom build.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that it's more work than you think it's going to be, but it is obtainable if you are focused and you are driven. Build a really great reputation. Do the right thing, even when no one's looking, and operate in complete transparency. But it's going to take time to build your book of business. I think a lot of people get discouraged because there's no real instant gratification, and it takes a lot of time. I highly recommend working with someone who is a mentor, who shows you that wonderful work ethic and how to treat people, and to give back.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency, honesty, and doing the right thing even when no one's looking are core values for me. I try to operate in a really transparent way, and there's a difference between honesty and transparency. I think investing in other people is so important - I learned that from my mentor Dr. John Crummel, who really invested in me when I was just starting out. I also value kindness and having an open mind. In my work with clients, I focus on mentoring and guiding people, having really honest conversations about their decisions and how they impact their lives going forward. It's about helping people and giving back, whether that's in real estate, in the wellness and fitness environment, or through our involvement with Upstate Warrior Solution helping disabled or injured veterans.
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